Listen to the Dreamy Minimal Synth and Post-Punk of Trit95’s Self-titled Collection of Songs

Trit95, emerging from the humble land of Santee, California, is a bedroom pop sorcerer conjuring dreamy lo-fi melodic soundscapes that feel like a portal to a parallel world hued in neons, pastels, and Kodachrome. Since 2017, Tristan Lilyquist, the alchemist behind the synths, has been conjuring cotton candy synthpop magic right from his own cozy hideaway. Imagine thirteen tracks of hazy, nostalgic tunes—like stumbling upon a mixtape from your wonderfully misspent youth. It’s part twee-pop, part soul-baring confession, and all-around charm, like finding out your quirky next-door neighbor is a secret musical genius, spinning gold out of daydreams and night-time musings. Enthusiasts of diverse artists across decades and generations, including Panda Bear, Parade Ground, OMD, Early Depeche Mode, Black Marble, Animal Collective, Atlas Sound, Dan Deacon, and Neon Indian, will find an immediate affinity with this collection.

The album opens with Blood Wears Thin, a haunting echo of relationships that ebb and flow, like the tide retreating on a foggy beach. This track carries the weight of past connections, dissolving into a misty memory, reminding us of the fragile nature of human bonds.

The second track, and standout of the album Candy, is a bittersweet confection of dreamy synths, bit pop boops, soft melodies, and catchy hooks. This song evokes a time when life felt simpler yet inexplicably strange. It also feels timeless, like it could be a treasure unearthed amongst the masters of a defunct European label from the ’80s, yet with subtle polish, making it a more generally pleasing listen than most songs from the past.

As with Candy, each song in this collection continues to be a portal to a different facet of our collective memory, inviting us to embrace the strange and beautiful reflections that color our lives.

Chain Of Events dives into a poignant series of interconnected moments, each one leading to the next like a delicate domino effect. It’s a contemplative piece, urging us to reflect on the ripple effects of our actions in the vast ocean of existence. Forever resonates with the wistful yearning of promises made and time slipping through our fingers. It’s the soundtrack of late-night Tumblr scrolls, where dreams of eternity clash with the reality of fleeting moments, all wrapped in a DIY aesthetic.

Guardian Angel hovers with an ethereal presence, offering solace in times of turmoil. This track is like a whispered prayer on a rainy day, providing a comforting embrace as it echoes through the chambers of our hearts. New Surroundings feels like opening a fresh chapter, yet with the ghostly remnants of the past lingering at the edges. It’s a strange, evocative tune that celebrates the unknown while mourning what’s been left behind. No Name drifts through the air like the perfume of your long-gone grandmother, capturing the essence of anonymity and the beauty found in the unnoticed. This track is a wistful nod to those moments and people who pass through our lives like shadows.

Photograph of Yesterday is an echoing reflection of the past, reminding us of the beauty and sadness intertwined in the snapshots of our lives. Plastic Toy plays with the bittersweet contrast between childhood innocence and the strange reality of growing up.  Rain Coated Lovers waltzes through the mist; an evocative, echoing ballad.

Ruby shines with a reflective glow and the echoing charm of a gem hidden away, only to be rediscovered and cherished anew. The forlorn Tape rewinds the years, playing back memories with a nostalgic hiss and pop of the analogue days, where each recorded moment carried a charming imperfection, echoing the imperfect beauty of our past.

The album finishing with Wine pours out a rich blend of wistfulness and reflection, like a vintage Tumblr post full of poignant reflections. It’s a strange, echoing melody that swirls through the air, leaving behind the bittersweet aftertaste of times gone by.

Listen to Trit 95’s self-titled collection of songs below:

Imagine yourself on an endless night out, the kind where sleep is but a distant memory, thanks to Tristan Lilyquist’s sample-laden, hard-grooving beats. Despite having just a 7-inch and a compilation tape to his name, physical copies of his music are rarer than a unicorn sighting—most fans aren’t even aware they exist. Now, with a new compilation being pressed for his debut with San Diego’s Dream Recordings and a treasure trove of unreleased tracks, Trit95 continues to morph his unique sound.

Order Trio 95’s self-titled LP here.

Trit95 is celebrating the album’s release at The Casbah on Saturday, July 6th. Joining Trit95 for the event are Gamma World and Big Blue World, with DJ sets by Jon Blaj. Find more info here.

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